Taylor Academy 12e-N vs Cordoba: A Comparative Review of Premium Classical Guitars
When it comes to buying a new guitar, you are likely to feel overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of options available in the market. You may have heard of two popular models - the Taylor Academy 12e-N and the Cordoba series, wondering which one to choose? Well, we are here to help!
The Taylor Academy 12e-N is a staple in the world of classical guitars that comes with a beautiful design and outstanding playability. On the other hand, Cordoba provides a wide range of quality guitars to suit the needs of everyone, whether beginners or advanced players.
The first and foremost factor one should consider when investing in a guitar is the sound quality. The Taylor Academy offers a bright sound with a robust bottom end and a clear treble, making it perfect for classical compositions. In contrast, the Cordoba has a more mellow tone with a darker sound that vibraphone collectors adore.
But sound quality isn't the only factor to consider; comfort and playability are also crucial features to take into account. While both guitars aim to provide a comfortable playing experience, the Taylor Academy stands out in this regard, thanks to its high-quality ergonomic design, which makes learning and playing easy and quick.
The size and weight of a guitar can make or break your playing experience, especially if you're someone who travels frequently. The Taylor Academy 12e-N is lightweight, which means you can carry it around without any hassle. In contrast, the Cordoba tends to be bulkier compared to the Taylor, which can make travel challenging.
If you're on a budget but still looking for exceptional quality, Taylor Academy is the perfect option for you. It's affordable and comes with features that you would see in high-end instruments. In comparison, Cordoba Guitars' prices tend to be a little higher than what the Taylor Academy offers.
When it comes to craftsmanship and durability, both guitars are built to last. However, Taylor Academy uses high-quality materials, which make the guitar more durable even after regular use.
But, don't just take our word for it! The Taylor Academy has won numerous accolades for its sound quality, price range, and ergonomic design. It's an incredible guitar, as the reviews speak for themselves. Cordoba has also earned a reputation for providing quality guitars for all kinds of users; it's no surprise that their name is synonymous with quality and innovation in the industry.
All in all, buying a guitar is not easy, especially when you have so many good options out there. However, by considering crucial factors like the ones mentioned above, and by reading expert reviews, you can be sure that you'll invest in a reputable instrument that meets your unique needs.
In conclusion, whether you go for the Taylor Academy 12e-N or the Cordoba, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. It's advisable to spend some time researching and trying them out before making a purchase. After all, you want to be confident that the guitar you bring home is the perfect fit for you, your music, and your playing style.
"Taylor Academy 12e-N Vs Cordoba" ~ bbaz
Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba
Acoustic guitars are loved by musicians worldwide because of their warm and natural sound. They come in different styles, shapes, and sizes, making it challenging to choose the right one that suits your needs. Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba guitars are some of the best-known guitar brands for beginners.The Taylor Academy 12e-N
The Taylor Academy 12e-N is an acoustic-electric guitar, well known for its playability and quality sound. It has a beautifully designed body constructed from a layered sapele back and sides, a solid Sitka spruce top, and features a Venetian cutaway. The Venetian cutaway allows access to all frets on the instrument, which makes it suitable for playing even complex chords.Another feature of the Taylor Academy 12e-N is its onboard ES-B electronics. This electronic system provides players with all the basic features that they will need to plug the guitar into an amplifier or PA system, including an easy-to-read LED display for battery life and volume. The Taylor Academy 12e-N also has a slim and comfortable neck that is easy-to-play. Additionally, this guitar has a robust tune stability, thanks to its durable chrome-enclosed tuning machines and tusq nut.The Cordoba
Cordoba guitars are yet another popular brand among guitar enthusiasts. The Cordoba C7 SP Nylon String Classical Guitar is one of their most popular models. It's a classical guitar renowned for its sound quality, comfort, and playability. The Cordoba C7 SP guitar is designed with a solid Canadian cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides. Cedar wood is highly regarded for producing a warm and balanced sound, while Indian rosewood offers an excellent projection capacity. Interestingly, the Cordoba C7 SP features a traditional Spanish fan bracing system, which offers enhanced sustain and resonance.This guitar is also known for its comfortable neck shape, which makes it ideal for those who prefer smaller necks. It also has an elegant rosewood bridge and fingerboard, as well as reliable tuning machines.Conclusion
In conclusion, both Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba guitars are excellent options for both novice and experienced players. Both of these guitars have their unique features that make them suitable for playing in various settings. Ultimately, the choice you make comes down to your personal preferences and the type of music you play. You can't go wrong with either guitar, as they both offer quality sound, durability, and comfort.Comparison Between Taylor Academy 12e-N Vs Cordoba
Tone and Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality and tone, both guitars have impressive specifications that make them equally desirable. However, the Taylor Academy 12e-N generally stands out for its clear and melodic tone, which is largely due to its layered sapele back and sides and solid Sitka spruce top. This blend produces a more focused and balanced sound that is perfect for playing classical, flamenco, and many other genres.
As for the Cordoba guitar, its solid cedar top and rosewood back and sides give it a warmer and fuller tone with an emphasis on the bass and mid-range frequencies. This makes it the better choice for those looking to create rich and classic-sounding music, especially fingerstyle.
Winner: Tie
While these two guitars produce distinct tones, both are unique in their ways and offer an equal amount of benefits based on the user's playing style and preferences.
Playability and Comfort
Both guitars are comfortable to play, with necks that are designed to cater to the player's need for ease of use. The Taylor guitar is built with a 24.87-inch scale length and a nut width of 1.875 inches, while the Cordoba comes with a shorter scale length of 24.2 inches, making it an ideal choice for players with smaller hands.
The Taylor Academy guitar features a slightly wider string spacing of 2-3/8 inches, allowing for smooth fingerstyle playing and better vibrato control. The Cordoba, on the other hand, boasts a slim C-shaped neck that is perfect for fast and agile fretting.
Winner: Tie
Both guitars offer comfort and playability, and the choice will depend on the player's style and preference.
Design and Construction
The Taylor Academy 12e-N is built with a layered sapele back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top, making it more sturdy and robust. Its fingerboard and bridge are made of ebony for durability and high-quality sound transmission. The guitar also comes fitted with a built-in Elixir NANOWEB coated strings that last longer and offer better tonality.
Cordoba guitars, on the other hand, are known for their impeccable craftsmanship and intricate designs. Although their use of solid woods makes them less durable than the Taylor Academy guitar, they make up for this in terms of appearance by incorporating beautiful ornamental rosettes into their soundholes.
Winner: Cordoba
Cordoba guitars are known for their classic appeal and intricate designs, making them a great choice for those looking for aesthetically pleasing guitars.
Price and Value for Money
Taylor Academy 12e-N is priced at a reasonable $699 and offers excellent value for money due to the quality of materials used in its construction and its high-class electronics. The Cordoba, on the other hand, typically costs around $500-$600 and offers a decent performance for its price point. Therefore, it's the more affordable choice compared to the Taylor Academy.
Winner: Cordoba
The Cordoba comes at a lower price point, and this makes it an excellent value for money choice for those looking for affordable and high-quality guitars.
Final Verdict
Both guitars are impressive in their individual aspects, and players need to decide based on their preferences and playing style. However, the Cordoba guitar edges out its competition due to its great value for money, making it accessible to more players compared to Taylor Academy 12e-N.
| Features | Taylor Academy 12e-N | Cordoba |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Clear and melodic tone. | Warm and full-bodied tone. |
| Playability | Wider string spacing and good vibrato control. | Slim C-shaped neck for fast and agile fretting. |
| Design and Construction | Layered sapele back and sides and solid Sitka spruce top. | Intricate designs with ornamental rosettes. |
| Price/value for money | $699 | $500-$600 |
Taylor Academy 12e-N Vs Cordoba: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide
When it comes to buying a guitar, there are numerous options available in the market. Two popular brands that have been making quality guitars for a long time are Taylor and Cordoba. In this article, we will compare two popular models of these brands, Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba, to help you make an informed decision.Design and Build Quality
Starting with the design and build quality, both of these guitars are made of some high-quality materials and have similar dimensions when compared side by side. Taylor Academy 12e-N sports a Grand Concert body shape with a Sitka Spruce top and Sapele back and sides. Talking about the Cordoba guitar, it comes with a solid Cedar top, which is paired with Rosewood back and sides. The Cordoba also has a slightly larger body shape, called the Classical shape. Both guitars have smooth finish and feel great in hand.Sound and Tone
The most important aspect of any guitar is its sound and tone. Taylor Academy 12e-N produces a bright, clear, and balanced tone with crisp highs and mids. It also has a decent projection, making it a great choice for recording and stage performances. On the other hand, Cordoba has a deeper and richer tone with full-bodied lows and warm mids. It also has a mellower sound signature, which makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, such as classical, flamenco, and folk music.Playability and Comfort
Both Taylor and Cordoba take playability and comfort seriously, and that is evident from their well-rounded neck profiles, comfortable fingerboards, and smooth frets. Taylor Academy 12e-N features a slim and ergonomic neck profile, which makes it easy to play for extended periods. It also has a shorter scale length, which reduces string tension and facilitates ease of playing chords and notes. The Cordoba guitar, on the other hand, comes with a standard width neck profile that provides ample space for fingerpicking and strumming.Electronics
Another crucial aspect to consider is the electronics of these guitars. Taylor Academy 12e-N comes equipped with an onboard ES-B pickup system, which includes an undersaddle piezo pickup and an onboard preamp. The preamp features volume and tone controls, which allow you to shape your sound as per your needs. As for Cordoba, it doesn't come with any onboard electronics, so if you plan to perform live, you will need to purchase a separate pickup system.Price and Value
When it comes to the price, Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba fall in the same price range. However, Taylor Academy 12e-N offers more value for money regarding its features, sound, and playability. It also comes bundled with a padded gig bag, making it a complete package for beginner and intermediate players. On the other hand, Cordoba's slightly higher price point can be attributed to its premium feel, build quality, and traditional tonewood choices.Conclusion
After comparing the features, sound, tone, playability, and value offered by Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba, we can conclude that both of these guitars are well-rounded and worth investing in. However, the choice between the two ultimately boils down to your personal preference and playing style. If you're looking for a bright, balanced, and feature-packed guitar with easy playing experience, the Taylor Academy 12e-N can be an excellent choice. But if you're after a mellower and warmer sound with a premium feel and traditional tonewoods, Cordoba can be a better option.Taylor Academy 12e-N Vs Cordoba: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to choosing an acoustic guitar, many factors come into play - sound quality, playability, durability, and more. Two popular options in the market are the Taylor Academy 12e-N and the Cordoba guitars. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at both models and compare their features to help you make an informed decision.
Body and Construction
Starting with the body, the Taylor Academy 12e-N features a dreadnought body shape made from layered sapele back and sides and a solid spruce top. Its neck is made from mahogany and has an ebony fretboard that houses 20 frets. The guitar also has a built-in armrest for added comfort and a matte finish.
Cordoba guitars, on the other hand, uses solid wood for its tops, back, and sides. The Cordoba C7 model, for instance, has a solid Canadian cedar top accompanied by Indian rosewood on the back and sides. Similar to the Taylor, the Cordoba's neck is made of mahogany and has an ebony fretboard. The Cordobas are known for their attention to traditional craftsmanship and often have exquisite detail work in their construction.
Both guitars feature a bone nut and saddle, which can improve tone transfer and sustain. However, the Taylor Academy 12e-N also comes with Taylor's ergonomic neck design that makes the guitar easier to play, especially for those new to playing the instrument.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is always a priority when it comes to guitars, and both the Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba deliver. The Taylor Academy has a bright sound thanks to its solid spruce top, producing a balanced tone that's perfect for strumming and fingerpicking. The layered sapele sides and back also add warmth to the sound, making it ideal for genres such as folk and blues.
Cordoba, on the other hand, has a reputation for producing rich, warm tones that showcase the characteristics of the wood used in construction. Their signature Spanish-influenced sound is beloved by classical guitarists, and their guitars often project well at all registers. Cordoba's have a more traditional tone and attack, though they still maintain enough versatility to handle a wide variety of genres.
Playability
Playability is where the Taylor Academy 12e-N shines. As mentioned earlier, the guitar has Taylor's ergonomic neck design that reduces strain on the hands and wrists, making it easier to play even for extended periods. The fretboard is also easy to navigate, which is especially helpful for new players who are still getting used to playing chords and melodies. Aside from that, the built-in armrest provides additional support and comfort, which can help improve posture and reduce fatigue during long practice sessions or performances.
Cordoba guitars, however, don't have any distinctive design element but are traditionally built and feature a more standard neck profile. While they still play well, they may not provide the same level of comfort and ease of use as the Taylor.
Price and Value
Taylor guitars are known for being relatively expensive, but the Taylor Academy 12e-N is an exception to the rule. It offers exceptional value for its price, considering its quality materials, ergonomic design, and meticulous attention to detail. You get a solid spruce-topped instrument with robust projection and handy built-in armrest for a reasonable price. The Taylor Academy 12e-N sits solidly in the middle of the pack and offers concert level playability for a more budget-inclined player.
Cordoba guitars, while being priced higher than Taylor Academy 12e-N, offer great value considering the quality of solid woods used, craftsmanship, and their ability to produce that unique traditional Spanish sound. If you are looking for a time-honored skillful hand-built instrument, a Cordoba guitar is a fantastic choice.
Final Thoughts
The decision to choose between a Taylor Academy 12e-N and a Cordoba ultimately comes down to individual needs and preferences. The Taylor Academy is a great option for new or experienced players looking for a budget-friendly yet high-quality guitar that provides great comfort and playability, with powerful projection and resonance. Cordoba guitars, on the other hand, offer a more traditional sound and expert craftsmanship with premium solid wood construction.
If you prioritize affordability, playability, and solid spruce top tone, the Taylor Academy 12e-N is your go-to guitar; however, If you want a traditional instrument with a rich, warm, and unique sound made of exquisite materials and craftsmanship, Cordoba guitars should be your choice. Ultimately both offer the possibility of quality and long-term satisfaction, so it’s worth the investment in either brand.
Thank you for reading our comparison detailing Taylor Academy 12e-N vs Cordoba. We hope you found this helpful and informative in making your final decision on which guitar you will use and enjoy. Please consult your local guitar dealer and try out each guitar personally to ensure which guitar best meets your personal requirements. Happy strumming!
People Also Ask About Taylor Academy 12e-N Vs Cordoba:
What are the main differences between Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba guitars?
The Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba guitar models both offer excellent quality and sound for players of all levels. However, there are some key differences to consider when comparing the two brands:
- Wood: The Taylor Academy 12e-N is made of layered sapele while Cordoba guitars use different types of wood such as cedar, mahogany, or rosewood.
- Sound: Taylor Academy 12e-N has a more modern tone, while Cordoba guitars have a traditional Spanish sound.
- Neck: Taylor Academy 12e-N features a slim satin-finish neck compared to Cordoba’s thicker gloss-finished necks.
- Fretboard: The Taylor Academy 12e-N features an ebony fretboard that is smooth and easy to play on while Cordoba guitars use rosewood or other types of wood for their fretboards.
Which guitar is better for beginners?
Both Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba guitars are excellent choices for beginners, but the Taylor Academy 12e-N is generally considered as one of the best guitars for new players due to its comfortable playability, low action, and well-balanced sound. Additionally, the Taylor Academy 12e-N comes with ES-B electronics that make it easier to connect to amps or other equipment for live performances or recording sessions.
Which guitar is more expensive?
Generally speaking, Taylor Academy 12e-N and Cordoba guitar models are priced similarly, although some Cordoba models can be slightly more expensive. However, keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the specific model, materials used, and other factors that affect a guitar’s value. It’s best to compare the specific models you’re interested in to get an accurate idea of their respective costs.